Is it an Engine or is it a Motor?

Seems pretty easy to answer until you start your own internal conflict of defining which is which. Looking up the proper definition adds to the dilemma.

Websters defines a motor as the following and adds engine as a synonym:mo·tornoun \mō-tər\ A machine that produces motion or power for doing work1 : one that imparts motion; specifically prime mover2 : any of various power units that develop energy or impart motion: as a: a small compact engine b: internal combustion engine; especially: a gasoline engine c: a rotating machine that transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy

Looking up engine, resulted in the following definition and adds motor as a synonym:en·ginenoun \en-jən\

1: a machine that changes energy (such as heat from burning fuel) into mechanical motion2 : the vehicle that pulls a train

3 : something that is used for a particular purpose

4 : a machine for converting any of various forms of energy into mechanical force and motion; also: a mechanism or object that serves as an energy source <black holes may be the engines for quasars>

The two would seem interchangeable for the most part. but...WHY DO YOU PUT MOTOR OIL IN AN ENGINE?

Similarly confusing are lubricants designed to be used with electric motors. First, all of the companies that make these oils call their products "motor oil". Yet nonepossess the minimum specifications for use in a lawnmower or automobile engine.

Some of our readers may recall visiting the local hardware store in days past looking for "engine oil". At the time it was the term used to describea lightweight oil used for afrozen lock, on electric fan or in a sewing machine. In even earlier days, the same was referred to as "machine oil".

Of course there is this iconic warning no one ever wants to see flashing on your dashboard - the "check engine" light... not the"check motor" light. There is irony here too, as the light can be triggered by any of dozens of issues, many which have little to do with actual engine operation. Further when describing the electric power plant used in EV's, they are called "motors".

The term "engine" has also crept into terms used to describe various computer hardware and software, yet there are no moving parts, nor do they convert power into motion.

DO ENGINEERS HAVE AN OPINION?

The
School of Engineering says, "The Oxford English Dictionary defines
“motor” as a machine that supplies motive power for a vehicle or other
device with moving parts. Similarly, it tells us that an engine is a
machine with moving parts that converts power into motion." That would indicate full interchangeability. But are the words virtually synonymous? Not really.

COMMON TERMS REVERSING ENGINE AND MOTOR

I are not a "Steam Motor"

Despite the supposed interchangeability of the two words, when compared side by side, the results sometimes depict synonymous terms, other times odd, maybe questionable use.

IS IT AN ENGINE OR A MOTOR?Why not have some fun and challenge your coworkers to define which is more correct? Let us know if you come up with additional terms (such as those above) that we missed.Use the comments below to sound off.

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